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TAKE ACTION: Assembly to Vote on Unemployment Benefits for Striking Workers

September 27, 2016

The state Assembly is scheduled to vote this Thursday on a bill that would allow workers to access unemployment benefits after 30 days on strike or depending on the nature of the labor dispute. Take a moment right now to urge your state Assembly members to support A-3819. Far too often, workers are being taken advantage of by unscrupulous companies that use their clout to force workers into accepting unreasonable wages and working conditions.

This legislation is an important protection for workers who are forced out on strike and would serve a number of benefits. It would ensure workers are not starved back to work by their employer, that they have the means to stand up for fair treatment on the job, and can have a basic level of income to provide for their families during a prolonged labor dispute.

Workers with UNITE HERE Local 54 were on strike for more than a month at the Taj Mahal after billionaire Carl Icahn stripped away health care and pension benefits from casino workers and took away their half-hour paid meal break. Rather than respecting the needs of workers, management announced its intent to close the property, forcing approximately 3,000 people out of work.

It is clear that additional protection is needed for working people fighting for fair treatment in the workplace. The New Jersey State AFL-CIO thanks the primary sponsors of this legislation, Assembly members Quijano, DeAngelo, Giblin, Benson, Zwicker, Danielson, and Houghtaling as well as Senate President Sweeney and Senator Joseph Vitale.

Once again, please CLICK HERE to urge your Assembly members to vote in favor of A-3819. When workers’ rights are undermined, employees shouldn’t have to sacrifice their livelihoods just to stand up for the justice they deserve.